Latest news with #GP
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
How to speed up Adult Disability Payment award decision for a new claim
New figures from Social Security Scotland show that there are now 476,295 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just under eight weeks. This means people making a new claim before the end of this month could have an award decision before the end of August, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. Many people thinking about making a new claim may not be aware that there are two parts to the ADP application process and that if you complete part two (the condition questionnaire) within eight weeks of the date you submitted part one (personal details, GP details, etc) and your claim is successful, payments will be backdated to that date. It's important to be aware that ADP is paid four weeks in arrears and that failing to submit the claim within the eight-week period may result in a different date of entitlement. Guidance from Social Security Scotland explains: 'An individual can begin an application either by phone or online. This is Part 1 of the application process. 'Once they have started, the individual has 8 weeks to return the completed Part 2 of the application in order to ensure their entitlement to Adult Disability Payment begins on the date they completed Part 1. 'If an application is submitted after the 8 week period, the date of their entitlement may be later, depending on whether they have good reason for having submitted it late e.g. they have been in hospital.' A successful new claim for the devolved payment is worth the same amount as its DWP counterpart, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This means people over the age of 16 with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition could receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week - paid every four weeks. ADP and PIP weekly payment rates Daily Living Component Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Component Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 Scotland's welfare system is encouraging people to check for supporting information to include with their claim, which can help speed up the decision-making process. Social Security Scotland said: 'We need supporting information to help make the right decisions as quickly as we can on disability benefit applications. While we can source this information for clients, our research has found some people may have supporting information to hand but do not realise it. 'This might be because they don't know what is useful to us or that supporting information can come from a range of professionals.' It added, as an example, that if someone regularly sees a counsellor, physical therapist or support worker, they could be a better source of supporting information than a GP they may not have contacted for some time. Examples of supporting information include: care plans prescription lists a child's additional support needs plan letters from a local authority outlining housing adaptations letters or a report from HR explaining workplace adjustments letters from teachers explaining what support the child needs at school referral letters to specialists (e.g. CAMHS) Part two of the ADP application form asks about: your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate with other people what help and support you need and why how you move around outdoors any medication, treatment or equipment you need Official guidance on explains other information which could help support your answers in part two includes: information about your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis information about any medical tests you have had, and the results if you have them contact details for your GP contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you More help about completing an application for Adult Disability Payment can be found on the Disability Rights UK website - a guide covering the whole application process can be downloaded for free here. How to upload supporting documents online For help submitting supporting documents online you can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is also an upload page on here with all the details and document formats you need to know. The Scottish Government also announced earlier this year that third sector organisations are to be paid a fee for helping provide supporting information for people applying for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. The £33.50 fee will be paid when they are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form. People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them. These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness. Collecting supporting information on behalf of people is one of the key differences in how people are encouraged and supported to apply for Scottish Government disability benefits. Supporting information request forms are completed to help understand how a person's health condition or disability affects their lives and what support they need. As well as information from health and social care professions, information could also come from charities and third sector organisations who support disabled people. The process of requesting and giving equal consideration to supporting information from third sector organisations is not offered by the DWP in England and Wales to people applying for disability benefits including PIP, Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. Social Security Scotland said this is another example of how it is doing things differently to better support people applying for benefits. To get help completing an application form, you may also be able to use a free advocacy service - find out more here.
The South African
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- The South African
Kyalami in pole position for South Africa GP return in 2028
The FIA has given Kyalami three years to complete upgrades to host a South Africa GP in 2028. Image: File The return of a long-talked-about F1 South Africa GP made major strides this week. The former South Africa GP host circuit, located just North of Johannesburg, has staged no less than 21 F1 races up until its last in 1993. ADVERTISEMENT Nevertheless, Formula 1 is plainly keen to complete an expanded calendar. By reintegrating the African continent into its 24-race schedule, which has been missing for 32 years, F1 will truly become a 'world championship' once again … RETURN OF THE SOUTH AFRICA GP Government officials and circuit owners have lots to smile about at Kyalami. Image: File However, many names have been linked with a future African GP. In preceding months this has included Cape Town, Rwanda and even Morocco. Nevertheless, Kyalami currently has FIA Grade 2 status. But this week it had its plans for F1-ready 'Grade 1' certification approved by the FIA. In a statement by Kyalami GP Circuit owner, Toby Venter, he announced it has: 'Received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals. This will upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status, which is the highest international standard required to host Formula 1. As such, once the capital works are completed and a final inspection conducted, Kyalami will become Africa's only FIA Grade 1 circuit, capable of hosting Formula 1 on the African continent,' said Venter. DEFINING MOMENT FOR SOUTH AFRICA Formula 1 looked very different when it last raced at Kyalami 32-years ago. Image: File Furthermore, Venter reiterated at the South Africa GP press conference: 'This is truly a defining moment for South African motorsport. Very little work needs to be done to achieve the Grade 1 rubber-stamp for Kyalami. I would describe it as a light-touch upgrade,' said Venter. ADVERTISEMENT 'Likewise, the FIA has given Kyalami three years (2028) to complete the upgrades for a South Africa GP return. Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami and South Africa. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 and the South Africa GP,' Venter concluded – with GMM ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE THE SOUTH AFRICA GP RETURN? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Having affair drove me to mental breakdown but I fear I might end up having another one… this time with a man
DEAR DEIDRE: HAVING an extramarital affair – and the devastation it caused – drove me to a mental breakdown. So why am I flirting with another affair? I don't understand why I would play with this destructive behaviour again — especially as I know the fallout only too well. I'm 43, and married with two children. My wife is 40. Over the last few years, my marriage has been difficult. My wife and I have been arguing a lot, and our sex life has taken a dive. As a result, I found myself going online and looking at dating sites. I started chatting to a woman — and ended up meeting her for sex. I'd never been unfaithful to anyone before, and sneaking around and lying affected my mental health. I hated hurting my wife and started to question what sort of person I was. Eventually I confessed, which was awful. My wife became distraught and made me feel like a failure. I ended my affair but fell apart. I was unable to eat or sleep, and even felt suicidal. My wife said she still loved me, and wanted me to get better and for us to work. With help from my GP, and antidepressants, I started to feel better. My wife and I talked a lot, and we started having sex again — although it feels like we're going through the motions. But recently, I've started to fantasise about having sex with men, which I've never done before and don't understand why the idea of this arouses me so much. I can't tell my wife — she wouldn't understand. But I find myself looking at gay dating sites and checking out men in the street. I'm worried that I'm going to end up having another affair. Please help. Dear Deidre: Spotting the signs your partner is cheating DEIDRE SAYS: It's encouraging that you recognise how dangerous your behaviour is. This is the first step to making real change. It sounds like you are questioning your identity. It's likely your new interest in having sex with men is also a part of this identity crisis. Please talk to your GP again. Although anti-depressants have helped your depression symptoms, you need help to get to the root of your unhappiness. Ask about counselling. My support pack, How Counselling Can Help, has more information about this. Your wife needs to know you're still unhappy. Ask for her support and think about couple's counselling, where you can discuss your marriage. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 FEMALE BOSS IS PUSHING ME OUT OVER MENOPAUSE DEAR DEIDRE: I BELIEVE I'm being punished for telling my employer I'm going through the menopause. When I explained my symptoms were affecting my performance, I expected understanding and support. Instead, I've been sidelined and treated like a burden. I'm 47, and last year I started feeling off' I felt exhausted all the time, had headaches, joint pain and I couldn't concentrate. After a GP visit and various tests, I was told my symptoms were due to perimenopause. I decided to open up to my female boss, saying I was getting medical help but I needed her to know I was struggling. She wasn't understanding. And since then, I've felt she's trying to push me out. She's making me feel undermined and like I'm incompetent. I don't want to leave my job but I'm miserable, and losing all my confidence. DEIDRE SAYS: You're not alone. Research by the CIPD found two thirds of working women between 40 and 60 with menopausal symptoms said they had a negative impact on them at work. Naturally, you expected empathy. Instead, it sounds like she's discriminating against you. According to the Equality Act 2010, this could be against the law. Talk to your HR department and your trade union rep, if you have one. Contact ACAS, too, It has a section on the menopause. SHE'S SO YOUNG – DO I MAKE A MOVE? DEAR DEIDRE: MY feelings for my younger friend have turned sexual – but I'm scared to tell her. I fear she'll think I'm much too old for her, and then friendzone me. But I know we're perfect for each other. I'm 46 and she's 23. We're both single. We've been friends for six months, ever since meeting at a local book group. We share exactly the same interests and can talk for hours. We speak on the phone every day, and meet up for coffee. But lately I've realised I have romantic feelings for her. I think about her all the time, miss her when I'm not with her and when I'm in bed, I fantasise about her. I no longer just want to be friends and I know we'd have a brilliant relationship. However, I'm worried that if I tell her how I feel, she'll reject me – or worse, that it will ruin our friendship. DEIDRE SAYS: This is a tricky situation. You don't want to lose her friendship or to make her think your only interest in her is sexual. You're double her age and, despite your interests, have a very different amount of life experience, and a likely power imbalance. My support pack, Age Gaps – Do They Matter?, explains more. Age gap relationships sometimes work, but unless she's given you indication that she has romantic feelings too, I'd err on the side of caution. DO I TELL SON HE'S AUTISTIC? DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER years of noticing my son was different, he has finally been diagnosed with autism. I'm not sure how to tell him, as I'm worried he might not understand. Should I wait until he's older? My son is seven, and I'm his 42-year-old mum. He's a lovely, bright little boy but he's always had problems socialising with other kids, and issues at school. He was late to learn to talk and has always found it hard to cope in noisy environments. His dad and I knew there was something different about him and pushed for a referral, which took over a year. Now we've been told he's definitely on the autistic spectrum. I can't fault the NHS or his school, which have both been really supportive. But he doesn't know about his diagnosis, and I don't know how to explain it to him – or if I should. I don't want him to think he's got something wrong with him or to believe that he'll never amount to anything. I also worry about how it might affect his future, and how other people will treat him. I'd really appreciate some advice. DEIDRE SAYS: Your son is already aware he's different so it's a good idea to explain his condition to him. If you don't, he might worry more. One way to make it simple is to say that people are like smartphones. One type isn't better than another – they just run on different systems and have their own special features. So, for example, neurotypical people are iPhones and neurodiverse people, like him, are android phones. Contact the National Autistic Society ( to see if there are any local groups where you can meet other people with neurodiverse children.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
MotoGP 2025: List of all upcoming races and tournaments
MotoGP 2025: List of all upcoming races and tournaments (Image via Getty) The 2025 MotoGP season has arrived! Fans can hardly contain their excitement as they experience every exhilarating race of this season. There 22 Grand Prix events located all around the world. So far the races are happening in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The season opened in the first week of March and many races have thrilled fans with some exciting finishes and a few total upsets. Some historic tracks returned or don't dominate. New tracks joined in, Balaton Park in Hungary. Whether you're an absolute beginner to MotoGP or a serious, avid follower of this amazing sport, this season will have something for everybody. Let's recap what has happened this season and what is scheduled for the rest of the season. MotoGP races already done Below are the races that have taken place: Date Grand Prix Circuit Winner (if available) March 2 Thai GP Chang International Circuit, Buriram Race completed March 16 Argentine GP Termas de Rio Hondo Race completed March 30 United States GP Circuit of the Americas, Austin Race completed April 13 Qatar GP Lusail International Circuit Race completed April 27 Spanish GP Circuito de Jerez Race completed May 11 French GP Le Mans Race completed May 25 British GP Silverstone Circuit Race completed So far, the championship has provided us with plenty of exciting racing and many different riders have made it onto the podium. The title race is incredibly competitive, so every point is critical. Upcoming MotoGP 2025 Races Now, here is the list of all the races ahead of us - so you can make sure you don't miss any: Date Grand Prix Circuit Time (IST) June 8 Aragon GP Motorland Aragón 17:30 June 22 Italian GP Mugello Circuit 17:30 June 29 Dutch GP TT Circuit Assen 17:30 July 13 German GP Sachsenring 17:30 July 20 Czech Republic GP Automotodrom Brno 17:30 August 17 Austrian GP Red Bull Ring 17:30 August 24 Hungary GP Balaton Park 17:30 September 7 Catalunya GP Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya 17:30 September 14 San Marino GP Misano World Circuit 17:30 September 28 Japanese GP Twin Ring Motegi 10:30 October 5 Indonesia GP Mandalika International Street Circuit 11:30 October 19 Australian GP Phillip Island Circuit 08:30 October 26 Malaysian GP Sepang International Circuit 12:30 November 9 Portugal GP Algarve International Circuit, Portimão 19:30 November 16 Valencian Community GP Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia 18:30 What's New for 2025? Return to Brno After a hiatus from the calendar since 2021, the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic is finally making a return to MotoGP. Brno is one of the oldest and most respected tracks in MotoGP history, and it will make a massive impact on the season this year on July 20. Debut of Hungarain's Balaton Park In an exciting moment for MotoGP, Hungary will host a race for the first time in history, on the new Balaton Park Circuit on August 24, 2025. It's an opportunity for riders to test themselves in a new location while also offering fans an all-new venue. A Truly Global Reach - 5 Continents, 22 Races. The MotoGP 2025 is truly global here are just some of the places races are being held: Asia (Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar) Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Britain, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino) North America (USA) South America (Argentina) Australia (Phillip Island) Fans from every corner of the world are getting to see the best riders battle it out. Also Read: Who Is Marc Marquez Girlfriend? Personal Life Details Of The MotoGP Superstar The road ahead It is an open championship with over half the season left. Francesco Bagnaia, Marc Márquez, Fabio Quartararo, and some rising talents still fighting for the world championship title, every race will be crucial as we move into Europe and back into Asia before concluding the series in Valencia. Expect close racing amongst the pack, potential surprises, and possibly even a new world champion as MotoGP 2025 kicks off with plenty of racing still in the pipeline. With returning classic circuits and some exciting new ones, this season should provide us with memories to cherish and one full of surprises. And there's still over half a season to go. The 2025 MotoGP Season has begun with a bang. We've already seen incredible racing action and drama, and this season is barely begun. This season features a great mix of traditional tracks and a few exciting new events adding up to what should certainly be one of MotoGP's best seasons. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Nearly half a million people claiming Adult Disability Payment worth up to £749 every month
New figures from Social Security Scotland show that there are now 476,295 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Of the total number of claimants, 157,700 (33%) are new applicants and 318,600 (67%) had their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions. The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just under eight weeks. This means people making a new claim this month could have an award decision before the end of August, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. Many people thinking about making a new claim may not be aware that there are two parts to the ADP application process and that if you complete part two (the condition questionnaire) within eight weeks of the date you submitted part one (personal details, GP details, etc) and your claim is successful, payments will be backdated to that date. It's important to be aware that ADP is paid four weeks in arrears and that failing to submit the claim within the eight-week period may result in a different start date of entitlement. Guidance from Social Security Scotland explains: 'An individual can begin an application either by phone or online. This is Part 1 of the application process. 'Once they have started, the individual has eight weeks to return the completed Part 2 of the application in order to ensure their entitlement to Adult Disability Payment begins on the date they completed Part 1. 'If an application is submitted after the 8 week period, the date of their entitlement may be later, depending on whether they have good reason for having submitted it late e.g. they have been in hospital.' A successful new claim for the devolved payment is worth the same amount as its DWP counterpart, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This means people over the age of 16 with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition could receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week - paid every four weeks. ADP and PIP weekly payment rates 2025/26 Daily Living Component Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Component Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 Scotland's welfare system is encouraging people to check for supporting information to include with their claim, which can help speed up the decision-making process. Social Security Scotland said: 'We need supporting information to help make the right decisions as quickly as we can on disability benefit applications. While we can source this information for clients, our research has found some people may have supporting information to hand but do not realise it. 'This might be because they don't know what is useful to us or that supporting information can come from a range of professionals.' It added, as an example, that if someone regularly sees a counsellor, physical therapist or support worker, they could be a better source of supporting information than a GP they may not have contacted for some time. Examples of supporting information include: care plans prescription lists a child's additional support needs plan letters from a local authority outlining housing adaptations letters or a report from HR explaining workplace adjustments letters from teachers explaining what support the child needs at school referral letters to specialists (e.g. CAMHS) Part two of the ADP application form asks about: your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate with other people what help and support you need and why how you move around outdoors any medication, treatment or equipment you need Official guidance on explains other information which could help support your answers in part two includes: information about your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis information about any medical tests you have had, and the results if you have them contact details for your GP contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you More help about completing an application for Adult Disability Payment can be found on the Disability Rights UK website - a guide covering the whole application process can be downloaded for free here. How to upload supporting documents online For help submitting supporting documents online you can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is also an upload page on here with all the details and document formats you need to know. The Scottish Government also announced earlier this year that third sector organisations are to be paid a fee for helping provide supporting information for people applying for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. The £33.50 fee will be paid when they are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form. People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them. These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness. Collecting supporting information on behalf of people is one of the key differences in how people are encouraged and supported to apply for Scottish Government disability benefits. Supporting information request forms are completed to help understand how a person's health condition or disability affects their lives and what support they need. As well as information from health and social care professions, information could also come from charities and third sector organisations who support disabled people. The process of requesting and giving equal consideration to supporting information from third sector organisations is not offered by the DWP in England and Wales to people applying for disability benefits including PIP, Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. Social Security Scotland said this is another example of how it is doing things differently to better support people applying for benefits. To get help completing an application form, you may also be able to use a free advocacy service - find out more here.
